(Find the complete folder with all relevant information including the RFP here)
Terms of Reference
Title of Assignment
Development of a Vector Control Training Package for WASH and Health Practitioners in the Africa Region
Project Name
WASH Surge Localization Programme
Project Country
Global (pilot training to be conducted in Ethiopia or South Sudan)
1. Introduction
The Netherlands Red Cross (NLRC) and partners are working to strengthen local capacities for emergency preparedness, anticipatory action, and response across Africa. In line with their auxiliary role to the public authorities, and within the framework of localization, National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies frequently act as first responders during disease outbreaks, flooding, displacement crises, and other emergencies.
Vector-borne diseases continue to pose a significant public health burden in many countries where the Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies operate. At the same time, vector control knowledge among WASH and Health practitioners varies considerably. There is a need for accessible, practical training materials that can be used by National Societies, surge personnel, and humanitarian practitioners to improve knowledge and decision-making related to vector control.
The NLRC therefore seeks a consultant to develop a comprehensive training package on vector control that can be delivered by facilitators with a fair understanding of the subject matter. The package will be piloted during a training event planned for December 2026 in either Ethiopia or South Sudan.
2. Background and Context
Vector-borne diseases remain among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in many humanitarian settings. Climate change, population movements, urbanization, environmental degradation, and weak health systems are contributing to changes in disease transmission patterns and increasing the risk of outbreaks.
Humanitarian organizations are increasingly expected to integrate vector control considerations into emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and resilience programmes. While specialist expertise is sometimes available, many WASH and Health practitioners involved in programme design and implementation have limited formal training in vector control.
The Red Cross movement has an important role to play through:
- Community engagement , risk communication and behaviour change
- Environmental management
- Vector surveillance and risk assessment
- Support to outbreak preparedness and response including community-based surveillance
- Coordination with health and WASH actors
- Integration of vector control into humanitarian programming
To strengthen these capacities, a practical training package is required that can be delivered in different country contexts and adapted to local disease priorities.
3. Purpose, Objectives and Deliverables
Purpose
To develop a practical, participatory and easy-to-facilitate vector control training package for WASH and Health practitioners working in humanitarian and development settings.
Overall Objective
To increase the knowledge and understanding of vector-borne disease prevention and vector control among WASH and Health practitioners, enabling them to support the design, implementation and monitoring of appropriate vector control interventions.
Specific Objectives
The training package should enable participants to:
- Understand the epidemiology and transmission pathways of major vector-borne diseases.
- Understand the roles and responsibilities of WASH, Health and community actors in vector control.
- Conduct basic vector-related risk assessments.
- Select appropriate vector control interventions based on context and risk.
- Understand operational, environmental and safety considerations.
- Integrate vector control into preparedness, anticipatory action and humanitarian emergency responses.
- Coordinate with relevant health, WASH and government stakeholders.
Scope of the Training Package
The consultant should develop a 3 days training package with different modules and exercises, allowing for a one to three days training depending on the modules used.
The training should cover, at minimum:
Vector-borne Diseases
Introduction to: Malaria (with description of different malaria carrying subspecies) Dengue, Chikungunya, Yellow Fever, Schistosomiasis, Trypanosomiasis and other relevant diseases common in African humanitarian settings
Vector Control Approaches
Introduction to Environmental mechanical biological and chemical and integrated Vector Management (IVM).
Humanitarian Context
The context considered for the training include, vector control during emergencies**,** vector control during displacement and camp settings, Flood-related vector risks, Urban vector control challenges as well as for the Red Cross important Community-based approaches, and Protection, Gender and Inclusion (PGI)
Planning and Decision Making
The training should include a section focusing on health and surveillance data, risk assessment, Intervention selection, Monitoring and evaluation, Coordination mechanisms
Safety and Environmental Considerations
This should include Safe handling of equipment and chemicals Environmental risks Waste management Safeguarding and community acceptance
Emerging and other relevant Topics
Climate change and vector-borne diseases Insecticide resistance, new and emerging vector control tools such as spatial repellents, Operational challenges in humanitarian settings
Deliverables
- The consultant will with the support of the NLRC and UNICEF will be expected to provide: Review and compilation of existing vector control training materials from organizations such as: IFRC, WHO, UNICEF and NGO’s working on vector control and identify materials that can be adapted and referenced.
- The consultant will develop a complete facilitator package in English including: Facilitator guide, Agenda for a 3-day version, Session plans, Facilitation notes, Interactive exercises Possible case studies and group work exercises, Quizzes and knowledge checks
- Participant package that should include: Participant manual, Handouts, Reference materials, Reading list Links to online resources
- PowerPoint presentation deck(s) suitable for use by non-specialist facilitators.
- Training evaluation package including: Pre-training assessment Post-training assessment Participant evaluation forms
- Facilitation of a pilot training in December 2026 in Ethiopia South Sudan or other country in the region and incorporation of lessons learned into the final training package(optional).
4. Profile of the Desired Consultant
The consultant should possess:
- Minimum 7 years of professional experience in vector control, public health, entomology, or related fields.
- Demonstrated experience in humanitarian settings.
- Experience with vector control in Africa, preferably in both emergency and development contexts.
- Proven experience in developing training curricula and adult learning materials.
- Strong facilitation skills.
- Experience working with Red Cross/Red Crescent, UN agencies, government institutions or international NGOs is an advantage.
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Experience integrating participatory adult learning methodologies.
5. Methodology
The consultant is expected to:
- Conduct a brief desk review of existing training resources.
- Consult with NLRC, IFRC, UNICEF and selected technical experts.
- Develop draft training materials.
- Revise materials based on feedback.
- Facilitate the pilot training.
- Produce a final training package reflecting lessons learned from the pilot.
6. Planning
Indicative timeline:
Activity Timeline
Contracting consultant - Week of 9th November 2026
Desk review and consultations - November 20th 2026
Draft training package - November 25th 2026
Review and revisions - December 5th 2026
Pilot training (optional time permitting) - December 2026
Final training package - December 2026
7. Climate and Environmental Impact
The consultant should ensure that:
- The training promotes environmentally responsible vector control approaches.
- Environmental and ecological risks of vector control interventions are adequately addressed.
- Preference is given to sustainable and integrated vector management approaches.
- Training delivery methods minimize environmental impact where feasible.
8. Responsibilities and Communication
The assignment will be coordinated by:
- Jan Heeger, WASH Programme Advisor, NLRC
- Selam Seje, Health Advisor, NLRC
- Joey de Hamer, Programme Manager, NLRC
- Peter Mamburi IFRC technical focal points
Submission Deadline
The proposal shall be submitted before the deadline for reception of applications on the 4th of October 2026.
Submission Method
- Proposals must be submitted electronically by email at [email protected] with a cc. to [email protected].
The assignment, including the submission of the final invoice, must be completed no later than 31 December 2026.
Bid Format
- Email subject must be: Log-2026-1374 – Development of a Vector Control Training Package + [Name of the bidder]
- The attachments to be included are described in the next section.
- Language: All documents shall be submitted in English.
9. Required Documents
- Cover Letter
- Curricula Vitae
- Technical Proposal and methodology
- Financial Proposal (budget with clear breakdown of fee and overheads if applicable);
- Previous Samples: Applicants must provide at least one, and up to two, samples of previous written work similar to that described in the T...